The RN to BSN Program is designed for Registered Nurse (RN) students. RN students apply to the College as transfer students. RN students are granted 37 credits for their basic nursing program and additional credit for other academic work. The RN to BSN program includes general education requirements and required nursing courses. The program responds to the needs of the RN student population by offering credit for prior learning, flexible course scheduling, individualized learning experiences, and career development advising. RN students are admitted to the College intending to major in nursing and apply to the School of Nursing according to established criteria.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Rhode Island College and declaration of nursing as the major.
- Submission of an Enrollment Form signed by the faculty advisor to the School of Nursing by October 15 or April 15 of the semester prior to senior nursing course work.
- Completion of Nursing 207, with a minimum grade of C.
- Completion of the College Mathematics and Writing Requirements.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50.
- Current RN licensure.
* Refer to the
Rhode Island College Catalog pp. 42-44 for descriptions of the Math Competency and Writing Requirements.
Admission Process
The process to be admitted into the School of Nursing is a two-step process:
Step 1
Admission to the College
The admission policy for the School of Nursing requires that students must
first be admitted to the College. Students must submit a transfer application to the college Admissions Office, declaring nursing as a major. Official transcripts (sealed) must be sent to the Admissions Office for review by a transfer counselor. Once the complete review of the admissions materials has taken place, a letter will be sent to the applicant advising them of the decision for admission. Students will be advised of the number of credits transferred to the college and will also be informed of the completion of math and writing requirements. It is important to note that, if accepted, the student must submit the required acceptance fee
before admission to the College can become official.
Step 2
Admission to the School of Nursing
Once the student has been admitted to the college, she/he can apply for admission to the program providing the following additional requirements are met:
- GPA of 2.5
- Enrollment in or completion of Nursing 207 with a grade of C or better.
- Completion of math and writing requirements.
The application form for admission to the RN to BSN program can be downloaded here.
Please note that materials that must be submitted with the form include:
- A current professional resume
- Current unrestricted licensure for the practice of nursing in
Rhode Island
- Even though official transcripts have been sent to the college Admissions Office, the department requires a second set of all transcripts for the
department files. Student copies are acceptable.
- 2 x 2 Color Photo
Only completed and signed packets will be accepted and must be submitted to the School of Nursing office. No email or faxed applications will be accepted.
Advisement Form
Click here to download the advisement form for the RN to BSN program.
Application Form
Click here to download the application to the Nursing program.
- Complete
Application to Nursing Program: Enrollment Form. Applications can be obtained in the Nursing Office FLS 145. Applications
signed by advisor or RN Coordinator must be submitted in the
Fall semester byNovember 15th or in the
Spring by April 15th.
- Applicants must attach transcripts from
all academic institutions, including Rhode Island College with grades for all courses. An official or legible student copy is acceptable.
- Attach proof of a current RN License.[http://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231]
- Submit a resume to include:
- Prior education
- Employment experience
- Employment related committees / activities
- Professional association / honors
- Community service awards
- Publications/research / special projects (if applicable)
- 2 X 2 Color passport photo
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my nursing credits be accepted?
If you are a practicing nurse with a license, you will be awarded 37 transfer credits for your previous nursing courses, in addition to credits for general education. Students must complete a minimum of 45 semester hours at Rhode Island College.
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Will my credits be "too old"?
Generally not if you are a practicing nurse. Once the Admissions Office has reviewed your transcripts, the Department of Nursing Chair can provide a second review of courses significant to nursing.
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How many General Education Courses will I need?
The Admissions Office will review any General Education Course you have on your transcripts and award credit. You must have at least a grade of C to be awarded credit. A description of the General Education Program can be found in the College Catalog (online or in print).
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Can I take any courses before I am accepted to the College?
Absolutely! You may take any courses except Nursing 370 and Nursing 376. We do have a Second Enrollment Application you must submit when you are ready for these two final, senior level nursing courses.
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Do you have an evening program or a weekend program?
We try to offer courses in the daytime and in the evening, as is the case throughout the college. We pride ourselves on our efforts to accommodate the complex schedules of working RNs. We do not have a weekend program.
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Will I be assigned an Advisor?
Yes. Prior to enrollment, our RN Coordinator, Professor Donna Huntley-Newby, telephone number (401) 456-9673, can assist you with course selection. Once you are enrolled in the College you will be assigned a Nursing Faculty Advisor.
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How can I register for a course?
If you are not enrolled in the College, you cannot enroll until the week before classes start. You should call the Records Office for a Password (456-8213)
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Retention Criteria
A minimum grade of C in each nursing course. Only one nursing course may be repeated. Students who sustain another failure (a grade below a C) in any nursing course will be dismissed from the program. The School of Nursing will notify students who have not met the retention criteria. The faculty of the School of Nursing reserves the right to require withdrawal or dismissal of a student who shows evidence, academically or personally, of an inability to carry out professional responsibilities in nursing. Students are expected to adhere to the School of Nursing code of academic honesty. Students have the right to appeal through the Student Outcomes Committee and the dean of the School of Nursing.
